CoolSculpting and ultrasonic cavitation are two of the most popular non-invasive fat removal and body contouring treatments available today. They are both safe, and FDA-approved. But which treatment is right for you? Below, we will explain the differences between CoolSculpting vs Ultrasonic Cavitation so you can figure out which is best for you.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is CoolSculpting?
- 2 How Does CoolSculpting Work?
- 3 CoolSculpting Contraindications
- 4 What is Ultrasonic Cavitation?
- 5 How Does Ultrasonic Cavitation Work?
- 6 Ultrasonic Cavitation Contraindications
- 7 Coolsculpting vs Ultrasonic Cavitation - Which One is Better?
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions About CoolSculpting vs Ultrasonic Cavitation
- 9 Bottom Line
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that removes extra fat cells beneath the skin. As a non-surgical medical procedure, CoolSculpting does not involve anesthesia and cuts. Also, no instruments enter the body either.
This fat reduction method targets fat in areas of the body that prove challenging to remove through exercise and diet. For example, around the tummy, chin, waist, upper arms, thighs, knees, and other parts of the body.
Unlike traditional fat reduction methods such as liposuction, CoolSculpting carries fewer risks. It’s safe and has FDA approval.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
Designed by Harvard scientists, CoolSculpting is not for weight loss treatment. The method works by a process called cryolipolysis. Basically, it involves the freezing of fat cells. As the fat cells freeze, they undergo apoptosis or cell death. After the procedure, your body naturally eliminates the dead fat cells. This happens over weeks or months.
Approved by the FDA, CoolSculpting helps in the treatment of visible fat bulges under the chin, and jawline areas, as well as the flanks, abdomen, and thighs. It’s also ideal for removing bra fat, back fat, and fat underneath the upper arm and buttocks.
CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to target fat cells and destroy them. Since it’s effective, the procedure results in a 25% fat reduction in the treated area. Note that untreated areas will have no change.
CoolSculpting Contraindications
There are some contraindications to CoolSculpting, such as the following:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Strong reaction to cold temperatures such as cryoglobulinemia, cold urticarial, or Raynaud’s disease.
- Poor blood circulation in the area to be treated.
- Open wounds.
- Use of blood thinners.
- A history of hernias.
- Patients wearing an implanted device, such as an artificial pacemaker.
- Eczema, inflammation, dermatitis, or rashes.
What is Ultrasonic Cavitation?
Ultrasonic cavitation is the use of ultrasound technology to break down fat cells in the body. Like CoolSculpting, Ultrasonic Cavitation is a non-surgical method that helps to reduce fat.
However, freezing of cells does not occur. Instead, the ultrasound device applies pressure to fat cells beneath the skin. The ultrasonic vibrations create pressure, and when it’s high enough, the fat cells break down into liquid form.
The body naturally gets rid of it. Basically, the broken down fat cells go to the liver, and the body excretes them through the lymphatic system.
How Does Ultrasonic Cavitation Work?
The ultrasound device sends ultrasound vibrations deep into the layers of your skin. These vibrations create bubbles around the fat deposits under your skin. In turn, they (bubbles) burst and break the fat deposits into the interstitial and lymphatic systems.
Your body changes the fat deposits into free fatty acids and glycerol. It then reuses glycerol while the free fatty acids travel to the liver, where the body excretes them as waste.
The procedure is generally customized to an individual’s needs. For some, it may take a few sessions, while for others it may be longer. However, the standard ultrasonic cavitation is usually completed in one to three sessions.
Each session lasts 45 to 75 minutes and takes about 6 to 12 weeks to see the results of the procedure.
Like CoolSculpting, ultrasonic cavitation works best on localized fat. Basically, it helps to reduce fat in the following areas:
- Hips
- Flanks
- Abdomen
- Upper arms
- Thighs
Ultrasonic Cavitation Contraindications
- Neck
- Head
- Other bony areas
The following individuals should also not undergo the procedure:
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- People with a history of malignancies
- People with coagulation disorders
- Individuals with cardiac pacemakers
- People with osteoporosis and diabetes
Ultrasonic cavitation is an FDA-approved method, and there is no downtime needed.
Coolsculpting vs Ultrasonic Cavitation - Which One is Better?
CoolSculpting removes fat from your body by freezing fat cells beneath your skin. The freezing effectively collapses the fat cells killing them. After they die, your body’s waste removal system kicks in and naturally excretes the dead fat cells as waste.
Unlike CoolSculpting, Ultrasonic Cavitation uses ultrasonic vibrations to liquefy fat cells. After the procedure, your body’s lymphatic system will kick in and remove the liquified fat cells and excrete them as waste.
With Coolsculpting, it may take up to 3 months to see the results. This is because it takes time for fat cells to break down after being frozen. It also takes time for the body to excrete the dead fat cells as waste.
On the other hand, ultrasonic cavitation works within a matter of days. The ultrasonic vibrations liquefy the fat cells, and your body’s lymphatic system gets rid of the dead fat cells immediately.
Ultrasonic cavitation is pain-free. In fact, many people prefer the procedure because it provides a relaxing experience. There is no cutting, anesthesia, scars, or sutures. After the procedure, you can return to work right away.
Despite the fact that both treatments provide great results, the results will vary from person to person. We recommend that you book a consultation with your doctor to discuss which option is right for your body.
Frequently Asked Questions About CoolSculpting vs Ultrasonic Cavitation
Does fat freezing and cavitation work?
Fat freezing and cavitation are non-surgical and non-invasive fat removal methods. Both treatments provide a significant and lasting fat reduction in a pain-free procedure. In fact, they do so without cutting or scars.
Is CoolSculpting the same as cavitation?
CoolSculpting uses freezing or cryolipolysis to remove fat deposits. Cryolipolysis is a procedure that involves the use of cold temperatures to freeze and eliminate fat deposits. Whereas ultrasonic cavitation uses ultrasound vibrations to destroy fat cells and targets widespread fat.
How many pounds can you lose with cavitation?
Typically, you can lose up to 25 to 30 pounds. That is why cavitation is ideal for people who have tried exercises or diets with no results. This procedure helps to remove stubborn fatty bulges, giving you a balanced shape.
How many times a week can I do cavitation?
Generally, 48 to 72 hours must pass between each session. So, in a week, you can go for two sessions. For optimum results, you need 8 to 12 sessions.
Does the fat come back after ultrasonic cavitation?
Ultrasonic cavitation is a safe method. Once it destroys the fat cells under your skin, they do not grow back. The results of ultrasonic cavitation can last as long as you eat healthy foods and work out.
Bottom Line
CoolSculpting and ultrasonic cavitation are safe and FDA-approved. They are non-surgical and non-invasive fat removal methods. As such, no anesthesia, cuts, and scars, during and after the procedures. The good news is that the results of both treatments are permanent, provided you maintain a healthy diet and work out.
We hope this guide about Ultrasonic Cavitation vs Coolsculpting has been able to provide you with everything you were searching for.
Hi, it’s Judy!
